Harris, Earl Lewis (1953-1970)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1970 Jun 26 p. 26

Birth date: 1953 Jan 24

text of obituary:

EARL LESLIE HARRIS

Earl Leslie Harris, 17, of 6640 Kempson Crescent, Delta B.C., was called home to be with the Lord on May 2, 1970. Earl died in an auto accident which also claimed the lives of two of Earl's friends.

Earl was born on January 24, 1953 to Mr. and Mrs. Hal Harris, in the little town of St. Avoid, in France, where Mr. Harris was serving in the Air Force. In 1954 he moved with his family to New Brunswick and three years later to B.C. where the family remained until his death . When he was ten, he made his decision to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, and at 11, at his own request, was baptized in the South Delta Baptist Church.

On Easter Sunday (March 29) of this year, Earl, his sister Linda and his parents were accepted into the fellowship of the Kennedy Heights MB Church by transferral and his brother Gary and sister Judy, by baptism. Together with his family, he had worshiped in this church for a year and was loved by all who knew him.

Earl was an outstanding student, excelling in everything from math to football to music. Most important of all he loved the Lord and was deeply concerned about being a witness to his friends.

His death has touched the hearts of hundreds of teenagers as well as adults. His parents accept his passing as of the Lord and are convinced that God had a special purpose in taking Earl, and are grateful to God for the 17 years of happiness they were able to share with their son.

Earl leaves to mourn (but not as those without hope) his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hal Harris; one brother, Gary; two sisters, Linda and Judy; his grand-mothers, Mrs. Lena Harris and Mrs. Louise Pollock, both of Victoria; his great-grandmother, Mrs. Mina Pollock, also of Victoria; and many friends and relatives. A memorial service was conducted by Rev. Rudy Janzen at the Kennedy Heights MB Church, Delta. B.C. Bibles were donated in Earl's memory to the Gideons.